Make sure the containers are clean; disinfect them if you have used them before, Arthur
urged.

Fill them with sterile seedling mix — a step she described as crucial.

“It’s very light in texture; it’s able to wick up moisture,” she said.

Place planted containers in a location where they receive bottom heat, such as the top of a
refrigerator or a corner of a floor with radiant heating.

Keep the soil mixture evenly moist but not soggy — “like a wrung-out sponge,” she said.

•
Treat the seedlings right.

When sprouts start to emerge, celebrate — then swing into action.

“Once the seed germinates, it requires light,” Arthur said.

Move your babies to a windowsill or the sunniest spot in your house.

Young plants also need air movement, which toughens them and helps prevent a fungal condition
called damping off, in which they suddenly fall over and die.

Some gardeners gently brush seedlings with their hands to help them grow strong and flexible.
(There’s no proof that talking to them while doing this helps, but it might help the gardener feel
better.)

•
Prepare for the big day.

The transition from windowsill to garden is a huge one, so practice the process called hardening
off.

“Young plants need to be introduced to the outside in baby steps,” Arthur said. “It’s not a
recommendation; it’s a must.”

Every day for a week or two, carry them outside to gradually expose them to sun, wind and
temperature changes.

The type of plant determines how early it can be transplanted. Edible greens, for example,
tolerate cold better than zinnias.

Before you know it, you’ll be picking flowers or munching salad — well ahead of less industrious
gardeners.